I'm pulling my hair out! Can someone help with a recommendation for a camera?

Apr 29, 2025
2
0
Oregon
I'm live streaming the wildlife in my backyard. I'm on like my 3rd camera. I'm hooking the camera into a GB injector, then into my laptop. I tried an SV3c camera - which was not good (way choppy, PTZ was awful). I currently have an Amcrest...which overall I like but I didn't realize it does not have a built in microphone ... so it is going back.

I'm looking for something that has:

  • 1/1.8" CMOS sensor
  • POE
  • PTZ - preferably at least 8x-10x zoom
  • waterproof
  • high definition (1080 or 4k?)
  • full color night vision
  • audio built in
Ideally, I'd like to keep it under $1000-$1500....is that even possible?

Anyone have recommendations? So much appreciated - Thx!
 
When you say “full color night vision”

Three things;
1- are you willing to keep the white LEDs on at night?
2- at what distance do you need the full color
3- how much ambient light is present in your target area? (Pic would help)

I don’t know of any with a mic. Most have audio in/out connections for you to add your own
 
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Reactions: hockeygirl503
Hi...

Yes, the white LED's on at night are totally fine.
I'd say we need about 20' (30'at most) distance.
There really isn't any ambient light in the area at all. I've found that LED's do a great job of illuminating the area so totally fine to keep them on.

The problem I'm having with the mic is that the one's I'm seeing online, all require to be plugged in for power...which I was hoping to not do as the plug is quite a bit away from the camera location. I definitely don't need two way talking.

Thank you!